A portrait of the Cold War strategist offers insight into his complex, troubled character while tracing his role in defining U.S. policy, covering his critical views on American diplomacy and his struggles with depression.

The full scope of George Kennan's long life and vast influence is revealed by one of today's most important Cold War scholars. Yale historian Gaddis began this magisterial history almost 30 years ago; the result is a remarkably revealing view of how this greatest of Cold War strategists came to doubt his strategy and always doubted himself.